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🛒 تسوق الآنWHO launches ECHO-funded project to expand lifesaving health and mental health care for Sudanese refugees in southern Libya
WHO launches ECHO-funded project to expand lifesaving health and mental health care for Sudanese refugees in southern Libya
New humanitarian initiative targets critical health gaps in Alkufra and Alghatroun
14 July 2026, Tripoli, Libya — The World Health Organization (WHO), with funding from the European Union Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO), has launched an 8-month humanitarian health project aimed at reducing morbidity and mortality among Sudanese refugees in Libya. The initiative focuses on expanding access to essential health and mental health services in southern Libya, particularly in Alkufra and Alghatroun.
Since the outbreak of conflict in Sudan in April 2023, hundreds of thousands of Sudanese refugees have crossed into Libya, with many settling in remote southern regions where health infrastructure remains severely limited. The new project directly addresses this growing humanitarian need.
Mobile medical teams to reach hard-to-access populations
WHO will deploy integrated mobile medical teams to deliver essential health services to refugees living on remote farms, in informal settlements, and other hard-to-reach locations across southern Libya. These teams will include general practitioners, gynaecologists, paediatricians, mental health specialists, and trauma doctors.
Trained community health workers will support the teams by conducting follow-up visits, health promotion activities, and community outreach. This integrated approach ensures continuity of care beyond the initial consultation.
Mental health services at the core of the response
A distinguishing feature of this project is its strong emphasis on mental health care. Sudanese refugees have endured prolonged exposure to conflict, displacement, and precarious living conditions — all of which contribute to elevated rates of psychological distress, trauma, and mental health disorders.
By embedding mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) specialists within mobile teams, WHO aims to address both the visible and invisible wounds of forced displacement. This aligns with global best practices that recognize mental health as an essential component of emergency humanitarian response.
Strengthening local health facilities and emergency preparedness
Beyond mobile services, the project will reinforce selected public health facilities to ensure that refugees and vulnerable individuals with severe or complicated conditions can access specialized care, diagnostics, and referral services when needed. Particular attention will be given to women, children, persons with disabilities, individuals with chronic diseases, and those with reduced mobility.
The initiative will also enhance the capacity of local health authorities and frontline responders in emergency preparedness, outbreak detection, infection prevention and control, mass casualty management, and lifesaving stabilization. These capacity-building efforts aim to strengthen the resilience of Libya's health system and improve readiness to respond to sudden increases in health needs, disease outbreaks, and other emergencies.
Building on existing WHO presence in Alkufra
The new project builds on WHO's sustained humanitarian health response in Alkufra, where the organization has maintained an operational presence since July 2024. Over the past two years, WHO has supported mobile medical services, community outreach, and coordination of the emergency health response in the region.
This sustained presence has enabled WHO to develop deep contextual understanding and trusted relationships with local communities, health authorities, and humanitarian partners — all of which are critical for effective project implementation.
A partnership rooted in dignity and equity
"Sudanese refugees in southern Libya continue to face serious barriers in accessing their basic right to essential health care services, particularly in underserved areas," said WHO Representative and Head of Mission in Libya, Dr Ahmed Zouiten. "This partnership with ECHO is more than just delivering medicine — it's about restoring dignity. By taking mobile medical teams directly to remote farms and hidden settlements, we are making sure no one is left to suffer in isolation."
WHO will continue working closely with national and local health authorities, humanitarian partners, and community representatives to ensure coordinated, equitable, and dignified access to health care for both refugees and host communities in southern Libya.
The project underscores the critical importance of sustained international funding for health emergencies in Libya, as the country continues to grapple with the compounded challenges of political instability, economic pressures, and large-scale population displacement.
— Libya Press / News Desk
